pennsylvania veterinary foundation

The Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation (PVF) serves as the charitable arm of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association but functions as an independent Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation and is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization.

The mission of PVF is to help veterinarians create a healthier future for animals and you through funding veterinary student scholarships and supporting animal welfare initiatives such as veterinary student scholarships, The Last Chance Fund (TLC), Zoey's Fund, and Henry's Cupboard. .

the last chance fund (tlc)

TLC stands for The Last Chance Fund and “tender loving care,” because that is what we offer animals who otherwise may not get any care at all. PVF established The Last Chance Fund (TLC) in 2009 to help ensure a source of funding for the care of abused or neglected, unowned companion animals that might otherwise be euthanized or turned over to an animal shelter that is already overburdened.

How Are We Funded?Funding for the TLC Fund is generated primarily through generous donations from pet owners and animal lovers. We encourage veterinarians to promote the TLC Fund in their practices to clients; in fact, it is a prerequisite for participation in the program. Each donation received for the TLC fund will go to the direct care of abused, neglected, and stray companion animals.

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Hefty was tortured, tied in a trash bag, and thrown away for dead. Found trying to claw his way out, he was barely clinging to life.READ MORE

Spike was a puppy born as a stray and left t to wander around. He was found hiding under a bush after being hit by a car and injured.READ MORE

Blitz was born into a litter of stray cats outside of Philadelphia. He was found badly injured with a severely broken leg. READ MORE

BARK IN THE PARK 5K RUN & 1 MILE DOG WALK

Our largest fundraiser of the year for The Last Chance Fund, Bark in the Park is a fun and great way to raise money for companion animals in need. Register alone or with a team, gather pledges until race day, and then get out there and run or walk.

The day includes a raffle as well as a Halloween Costume Contest for pets and their people with prizes in several categories. Runners also receive trophies in various categories.

veterinary student scholarships

Where can I get $160,000?

This is the question that faces the average student graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine and approximately $100,000 for graduates of other veterinary colleges. Education-related debt can be disheartening as a student graduates and searches for his or her first position as a veterinarian.

PVF helps to lighten that heavy load through its Pennsylvania Veterinary Scholarship Fund. Your contribution is an investment in the future of our profession, and it is also your way of supporting someone else with the same passion that you have for helping animals and people.

jolie hunsinger, dvm

“Being named a recipient of the PVMA/PVF Young Leader Scholarship was an incredible benefit to me to help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with my veterinary education. Since then, I have served on the Outreach Committee for the scholarship fund, which I saw as the perfect opportunity to give back to such a meaningful organization in my life. I understand first hand that the costs associated with veterinary school are a major burden for many students and I’m thankful that so many veterinary professionals have donated to this scholarship fund, lightening the burden for their future colleagues.”

zoey's fund

The Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation (PVF) has partnered with dedicated pet owner and animal lover, Margie Mattis, to bring Zoey’s Fund to York County residents in need and most importantly, their pets. Zoey’s Fund was established by Margie in memory of Zoey, a 12-year-old Shih-Tzu who had an aggressive and rare form of cancer that took her way too soon from the Mattis’ lives.

Margie decided to create Zoey’s Fund for pets who are in need an angel. Zoey’s Fund, which will be part of The Last Chance Fund of PVF and will be administered by the Foundation, will allow York County residents who are facing financial struggles pay for the care their pets need. Zoey’s Fund is supported through public donations and support like yours at events like Zoey’s 5K Fun Run and 1 Mile Dog Walk each fall.

The applicant must be a York County resident with an established relationship with a York County veterinarian/veterinary hospital.

The applicant must meet certain financial need criteria.

The application must be submitted by the participating practice.

Zoey’s Fund is intended to assist with are general and emergency medical care, medications and medical conditions, and care beyond the basic, preventative care that pets should be receiving as part of responsible pet ownership. Assistance is provided at the recommendation of the pet’s veterinarian and the PVF Case Approval and Oversight Committee on a fund availability basis.

henry's helping paws fund

Over the past year, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation (PVF) has been working with Senator Andy Dinniman and his wife Margo to develop a pet food fund to help senior citizens in need receive pet food and care items for their companions in Chester County. This pilot program was developed in honor of Henry, the Dinniman’s Standard Poodle who won the hearts of many of the Senator’s constituents during his life. Sadly, Henry passed away in 2014.

In April 2015, the Dinnimans decided to partner with PVF to turn sadness into something good by creating a new program that would benefit senior citizens and their pets, thus marrying two of Senator Dinniman’s passions—animals and the elderly. PVF partnered with the Meals on Wheels Association (MOWA) of Chester County for the launch of our program this spring. The food, which is distributed by Zeigler’s Distributors of Lebanon, is taken to and stored at the Chester County Food Bank.

From there, MOWA volunteers distribute the food to senior citizens enrolled in their program that have elected to participate in the pet food initiative, have financial need and no access to transportation.

our program has launched

﻿﻿﻿On March 17, 2016 Senator Dinniman, along with representatives from Meals on Wheels of Chester County and the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation, made the new organization’s first pet food delivery to the home of Harvey Phillips in Valley Township. Mr. Phillips, 83, has difficulty leaving his home due to a disability. ​Although it started in Chester County, it is our hope that we will be able to expand it to other counties and involve the local veterinary community to make the program successful and also provide discounted and free veterinary services to the recipients’ pets to ensure long and healthy lives. We hope to also tie Henry’s Helping Paws Fund to The Last Chance Fund to help with funding for much needed veterinary services through our PVMA members locally.